Celtic Art and Archaeology: The Vix Torc Exhibit Methodology

Final Project Milestone Three: Museum Exhibit: Methodology Jalisca I’Sara Day March 20, 2024

A. Identify the artifact or feature you would like to use to investigate your cultural group further and explain why you selected the specific object or feature. The artifact under discussion is the Vix Torc, a striking exemplar of the Celts' high level of sophistication in venerating death and unparalleled craftsmanship. The intricate details of the torc not only showcase the Celts' artistic prowess but also offer a glimpse into the cultural practices of the time. The Vix Torc remains a remarkable testimony to the Celts' artistic and cultural legacy. B. Provide a complete description of the artifact or feature. What does the object or feature do, or what is its purpose for the cultural group? Use your resources to describe the size, shape, color, type, weight, etc. The present discourse expounds on a remarkable example of Celtic art and culture, believed to have been crafted around 500 BC. Fashioned from 480 grams of solid 24- carat gold, the Torc exhibits ornamental winged horses and intricate knotwork, which is so minuscule that the photograph can barely discern. This Torc is regarded as the most valuable of all Celtic Torcs. In Celtic societies, the Torc was worn to denote social status, with the nobility adorning themselves with the most exquisite pieces. The Torc was worn during battles and various rituals, signifying the wearer's status and power. C. Describe the archaeological research methods used in the past to find artifacts and features related to your chosen cultural group, providing specific examples. Be sure to support your description with resources. Archaeologists employ various methods to locate and document sites in the landscape, which can be classified into three categories: aerial surveys, surface surveys, and

subsurface testing. As a first step, the archaeologist must define the region to be surveyed and become acquainted with the natural and human-modified features of the area. This is crucial in identifying local archaeological sites and determining the most suitable survey methods. Finally, the archaeologist must decide how to utilize and document the data obtained during the survey. Based on the project's specifications and available funding, archaeologists may use a combination of these survey methods to produce the most relevant archaeological information in the most efficient manner possible. (Renfrew and Bahn, 1997) D. Select a specific appropriate method you would use to acquire your selected artifact or feature and explain why this method would be suitable. It is recommended that the reconnaissance method be employed to survey the burial mounds and gravesites associated with the Celts. Owing to its meticulous location and recording of surveying actions, this method is highly reliable and produces minimal errors. This approach is essential given the significance of these archaeological sites and the need to ensure their proper documentation. Adhering to formal surveying protocols to guarantee the accuracy of the results is crucial when employing the reconnaissance method. This minimizes errors and produces high-quality survey results. This approach is ideal for surveying burial mounds and gravesites related to the Celts, as it ensures the precise location and recording of surveying actions. E. Describe where the artifact or feature was found. Specifically, was it in a public or private place, and what are the ethical considerations of seeing it in a specific location?

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The Vix Torc was unearthed from a grave in Burgundy, Northern France, and its discovery has since been regarded as a significant archaeological find. Based on the presence of a grand chariot and exquisite jewelry pieces in the same burial site, it is believed that the grave belonged to a high-ranking noblewoman whose identity, unfortunately, remains unknown. What is particularly noteworthy about the Vix Torc is that it was found still adorning the neck of the deceased, a testament to the importance and value attached to this piece of jewelry. F. Explain why the artifact or feature was found in the specific place, using research to justify the location. The object or feature was within a particular area for a reason. What is it? “Torcs are nearly always found in hoards with various other Celtic artifacts and jewelry, such as lunula and brooches. The artifacts in hoards almost always come from varying dates and times, making it hard to pinpoint an exact timeframe. These hoards are most likely collections held by the highest-ranking Celtic families, passed down through generations, and hidden for safekeeping. Often, torcs have been found alongside female remains, suggesting that they were used in burial rituals. Gold torcs were generally thought to be associated with royalty, while slightly less noble members of society used bronze or copper torcs.” (Claddagh, 2020). G. Explain what other information you need about the artifact or feature to help you draw informed conclusions about the cultural group, providing specific examples. For example, would you need to look at other objects and features? The one artifact or feature is a physical sample of the culture, so what additional information will you need to create a bigger picture?

The noblewoman’s burial site was lucky and un-looted. The layout and formation of this site changed how historians perceived Celtic culture, and it is, without a doubt, one of the most critical places in Celtic history. Archaeologists use this site to understand better how they carried themselves throughout society, evidence of their craftsmanship and attention to detail, what they worshipped, and how they viewed the afterlife. Other Torcs are also created from gold, bronze, and silver—however, none compared to the size and description in the Vix Torc. H. Explain why it is essential to gather more data to form valid, reliable opinions about cultures. What ethical implications exist for creating views based on only one artifact or feature? Gathering information concerning this artifact is essential because not all Torc are the same in shape, design, or metal material. Torcs can be used for various things but are commonly found in graves. Researching these items will show you that the Torcs are not just worn after death or to be buried in; they were worn throughout the day as standard jewelry pieces. Without researching this information, the reader can assume that they are only worn after death, as there is little to no information about the day-to-day routines of the Celts. Their opposers took down any written history of this civilization; the manuscripts are written with biased opinions and do not clearly describe the Celts from that era.

Renfrew. Bahn. (1997). Field Methods in Archaeology: Seventh Edition. [Hester et al. Mayfield Publishing Co.] Retrieved from https://la.utexas.edu/users/denbow/labs/survey2.htm Tuffey, A.C. (2011). Retrieved from: https://www.toptenz.net/top-10-historical-celtic- treasure-curios.php . Ross, David. (2020). Retrieved from: https://www.britainexpress.com/History/Celtic_Britain.htm by Unknown Author is licensed under

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